Mixing-machine-indicator attachement



N. M ROSENDAHL.

MIXING MACHINE INDICATOR ATTACHMENT.

APPLICATION FILED MAR 1. 1915.

1,410,126. Patented Mar. 21, 1922.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

TTTT TTTTINIIIIIHIT N. M. ROSENDAHL.

MIXING MACHINE INDICATOR ATTACHMENT.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I. I915.

1,4 1 O, 1 26, Patented Mar. 21, 1922 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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UNITED STATES PATENT, OFFICE.

NILS M. BOSENDAHL, OI WINTHROP HARBOR, ELINOIS,."ASSIGNOB 'IO FREDERICK C.

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Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 21, 1922.

Application filed Iarcli 1, 1915. Serial No. 11,174.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, NILS M. RosENDAHL, a

' citizen of the United States of America, and

resident of Winthrop Harbor, Lake County, Illinois, cor. Whitney Ave. and N.- Park Ave., have invented a certain new and use: ful Improvement in Mixing-Machine-Indicator Attachments, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to devices for counting and thereby, in efiect, limiting the number of rotations of a rotary concrete mixer, and for registering the number of batches of mixture produced by the machine, whereby the machine is controlled to prevent the mixture from being tumbled about or rotated too long, and whereby there will be a record kept of the number of batches produced by the machine.

Generally stated, the object of my invention is to provide a device of this character which can be readily attached to rotary concretemixers of any suitable known or ap- )I'OVGd construction, and which will count he rotations of the mixer and thereby give an indication of the condition of the batch in the machine, thereby preventing the batch from being treated too long, as will hereinafter more fully appear.

A special object is to provide a device of this kind which will give a. signal, preferably an audible one, and thereby indicate wlientlie batch is ready for removal from the machine. Another object is to provide an instrument of this character having a. registering device for countingthe number of batches produced by the machine. A further object is to provide a device of this character which will automatically discontinue its operation as soon as the batch has been rotated the desired number of times. Another object is to provide, in conjunction with an instrument of this general character, suitable means for controlling the lever or other member by which the mixing machine is controlled, and for thereby preventing the use of said lever or other controller until after the requisite number of rotations.

It is also an object to provide certain details and features of construction and combinations tending to increase the general efficiency and desirability of a counting and registering instrument of this particular character.

ing the ratchet mechanism as having been operated very nearly to the point where the electrical apparatus is ready to give a signal for indicating the finished condition of the batch.

Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the positions of the parts after the signal is given and illustrating the way in which the ratchet dog of the mechanism which counts the number of rotations is rendered inoperative to prevent further operation of the instrument in case the mixer is not immediately stopped.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on line 3-4-3 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view, including some of the parts shown in Fig. 3, and illustrating how the completion of the operation of the instrument serves automatically to unlock the hand lever which is ordinarily and commonly employed on machines of this kind for controlling the discharge of the batch.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the lever locking device shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another form of my invention.

Fig. 7 is a view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6, showing the same in a different position.

As thus illustrated, my invention comprises a bracket A adapted to be mounted in any suitable manner ad'acent the cog-ring or other annular element of the rotary mixer. A rod C is mounted vertically in bearings'a on said bracket, and is provided with ratchet teeth 0 on one side thereof. This toothed rod C is actuated by a dog D which is pivotally mounted on the bell-crank lever or arm,

d, which latter has its outer arm arranged in position to be actuated by the pin 7) on suitably mounted on the bracket. A post F is provided with a vertical series of graduations f to determine the position thereon of the vertically adjustable block G, which latter is provided with normally open electri-- cal circuit closing contacts g. It will be understood that the said electric circuit is provided with a bell and source of current (as shown in Figure l). or with any other suitable signaling or indicating device. A block '11 is adjustably mounted on the rod C and provided with means It for closing said contacts y when the rod C reaches the desired limit of its upward movement. This, in effect, serves to limit the number of rotations of the mixer, inasmuch as the latter may then be stopped as soon as the signal is given.

A bell-crank lever I is mounted on the bracket A and has its longer arm 2' suitably connected with the lower end of the vertically disposed rod in such manner that said rod slides up and down in said arm, the upper end portions of said rod being supported for vertical adjustment in the block H at the top of the rod C having the ratchet teeth. The shorter arm of the bellcrank I bears against the end of a horizontal rod K mounted in bearings 70 on the bracket or frame of the instrument. This rod K has a bifurcated head L which embraces the rod C and which throws out the dogs D and E when the rod K is moved forward by the upward movement of the arm 2' of said bellcrank I when the rod G and the rod J reach the limit of their upward movement. A spring M serves'to retract the rod K and its head L when the latter are released. The head L is provided with a catch Z for engaging the hook-shaped portion N of the lever a when the rod K is moved forward, thereby locking the head L in its operative position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, it being observed that a spring 0 is attached tothe lever arm 'n for the purpose of automatically moving the hook-shaped portion N in behind the catch Z as soon as the rod K moves forward. Thus the dogs D and E are held in their inoperative positions, as shown in Fig. 2, thereby allowing the rods C and J to drop down to normal position, cushioning spring P being interposed between the block H and the upper bearing a to cushion the fall.

It will also be seen that the actuation of the lever n serves another purpose, which is as follows: The mixer has the usual hand lever Q for effecting or controlling the discharge of the batch, in any suitable or ordi nary manner, and while the mixer is rotating this lever is locked by the spring-held locking bolt 9 which is suitably mounted adjacent thereto. A bell-crank R connects the locking bolt 9 with a rod 7*, the lever n being suitably connected with the other end of this rod. It follows, therefore, that the actuation of the lever arm n serves automatically to unlock the hand lever Q as soon as the instrument receives its final actuation and produces the signal.

In Fig. 6 the construction is similar to that previously described, but in this case a bell-crank S is provided with a nawl s for engaging the teeth of the previously described rod C, and. this bell-crank is connected by a rod T with a pivoted lever t having a roller U atthe lower end. thereof. A cam V is attached to the rotary mixer in position to engage the said roller l whereby the rod C is actuated upward once for each complete rotation of the mixer. The advantage of this construction is that the lever t and roller U do not interfere with the backward rotation of the mixer. In the operation of a mixing machine of this general character, it is often necessary to turn the receptacle backward a distance, and while this might not be possible or practicable with the construction shown in Fig, 1, it is entirely possible with the construction shown in Fig, 6, inasmuch as the cam V is sloped or beveled at each. side thereof and is thus adapted to push the roller U out of the way regardless of the direction in which the mixer is rotated.

A registering device W is connected by a rod to with the arm X, the latter being rigidly connected with the arm I and arranged to swing up and down in unison, therewith. Obviously, therefore, the upward actuation of the arm 2' when the rod C reaches the limit of its upward movement serves also to operate the said registering device W, thereby registering the batch. Or, if desired, the said registering device W can be actuated upon the downward movement of the arm 2'. In any event, the device W is arranged to register the number of batches of mixture made by the machine.

After the batch is discharged from the mixer a pull on the rod Y, which is attached to the end of the arm n, will unlock the head L, thereby restoring the instrument to normal condition.

A registering device WV (see Figs. 6 and 7) can be combined with the machine to register the number of rotations after the signal and before the machine is stopped. For this purpose the device is connected with a vertically reciprocating rod Z having a pivoted engaging portion 2 at the lower end thereof. The pawl s has a shoulder to engage the lower end of this portion 2, whereby the register W is actuated. It will be seen, however, that the said pawl .9 cannot engage said portion 2 except when the head L has pushed said dog out of engagement with the ratchet teeth. And the pivoting of the portion 2 enables the dog 8 to move outward when said head is shifted.

My invention is an instrument for timing the mixing operation, by counting the rotations of the mixer, andfor giving a signal when the time is up and the batch'is mixed.

It also serves to register the number of batches' mixed, and with the arrangementdered possible. .It will be understood that the mixer can be rotated by any suitable means, as, for example, by communicating power to the wheel (see Fig. 6), WhlCh supports the rotary mixing receptacle. In addition, the mixer is locked against discharge until the batch is finished. 7

From the foregoing it will be seen that the ratchet device comprising the ratchet teeth c and the dog D is actuated once for each rotation of the rotary mixer, and in this way serves in eiiect to count the rotations. The signal is given to indicate, as explained, the completion of a predetermined number of rotations of the mixer. In this way, therefore, the signal is not given until after the desired number of rotations has been completed, regardless of whether the mixer is driven slowly or more rapidly, and regardless of the amount of time consumed. In other words, while the mixer is usually driven at the speed best calculated to insure good results, the signal to discharge the batch is not given until after the predetermined number of rotations has been com pleted. It will be understood, of course, that the rotary mixer is of any suitable or ordinary-character, and may have the usual or any suitable means for charging the materials into the rotary receptacle carried by the ring B, and for dischargin the batch when finished, the hand-lever as previously explained, constituting a part of the discharge means by which the batch can be discharged at will after the signal has been operated by the closing of the circuit. The signaling means are adjustable, in the manner explained, by raising and lowering the member H on the toothed rod 0', thereby to vary the operation in accordance with the number of rotations required for mixing a batch of the materials. The restoration of themecha'nism, in the manner previously explained, by a pull on the rod Y, can be effected in any suitable or desired manner, of course, it being obvious that any suitable means can be employed to exert the pull on said rod for this purpose.

What I claim as my invention is 1. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumen- .talities controlled by said mechanism, and

means actuated intermittently to operate said mechanism.

2. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicatinginstrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and

means actuated intermittently to operate said mechanism, said mechanism including an endwise movable rod having ratchet teeth, and said instrumentalities comprising an electrical signaling apparatus provided with a switch operated by said rod. I

3. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by a rotary element to operate said mechanism, said means including a pivoted leverto support the ratchet dog, and saidelement being free to rotate in either direction without interference by said. means, thereby to operate said mechanism by rotation in either direction.

4. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and

means actuated intermittently by a rotary element to operate said mechanism, said means including a cam on said element and a pivoted lever having a roller for engaging said cam, wherebysaid mechanism is operated by rotation of said element in either direction. a

5. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently to operate said mechanism, and a device operated by the final actuation of said mechanism to automatically discontinue the operation thereof.

6. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicatin instrumentalities controlled by said mec anism, and means actuated intermittently by a rotary element to operate said mechanism, said element having a controller, and a device arranged to release said controller by the final actuation of said mechanism.

7. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicatin instrumentalities controlled by said mec anism, and means actuated intermittently by a rotary element to operate said mechanism, said means being arranged to operate only once for each rotation of said element.

8. In an'instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by a rotary element to operate said mechanism, said mechanism including an endwise movable rod having ratchet teeth, and said instrumentalities comprising an electrical signaling apparatus provided with a switch operto operate said mechanism, said means includ ng a pivoted lever to support the ratchet dog, and said element being free to rotate in either. direction without interference by said means, thereby to operate said mechanism by rotation in either direction, said means being-arranged to operate only once for each rotation of said element.

10. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicatin instrumentalities controlled by said mecianism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, said means including a cam on said elementand a pivoted lever having a roller for engaging said cam, whereby said mechanism is operated by rotation of said element in either direction, said means being arranged to operate only once for each rotation of said element.

11. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, and a device operated by the final actuation of said mechanism to automatically discontinue the operation thereof, said means being arranged to operate only once for each rotationof said element. i

12. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, said machine having a controller, and a device arranged to release said controller by the final actuation of said mechanism, said means being arranged to operate only once for each rotation of said element.

13. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, said instrumentalities being adjustable to variably limit the number of rotations of said element.

14. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, said mechanism including an endwise movable rod having ratchet teeth, and said instrumentalities comprising an electrical signaling apparatus provided with a switch 0 erated by said rod, said instrumentahties' being adjustable to variably limit the number of rotations of said element.

15. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, said means including a pivoted lever to support the ratchet dog, and said element being free to rotate in either direction without inter ference by said means, thereby to operate said mechanism by rotation in either direc tion, said instrumentalities being adjustable to variably limit the number of rotations of said element.

16. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicatin instrumentalities controlled by said mec anism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, said means including a cam on said element and a pivoted lever having a roller for engaging said cam, whereby said-mechanism isoperated by rotation of said element in either direction, said instrumentalities being adjustable to variably limit thenumber of rotations of said element.

17. In an instrument ofthe class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, and a device operated by the final actuation of said mechanism to automatically discontinue the operation thereof, said instrumentalities being adjustable to variably limit the number of rotations of said element. p

18. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, said machine having a. controller, and a device arranged to release said controller by the final actuation of said mechanism, said instrumentalities being adjustable to variably limit the number of rotations of said element.

19. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism, and means actuated intermittently by an element to operate said mechanism, said instrumentalities including a register operated once for each complete operation of said mechanism.

20. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism requiring a plurality of actuations for the complete operation thereof, indicating instrumcntalities controlled by said mechanism to show when the batch is finished, means actuated intermittent-1y by an element of said machine to 0perate said mechanism, a register arranged for operation only by the surplus actuations of said means after each complete operation of said mechanism, and means whereby the ratchet is inoperative during the operation of said register, thereby to prevent any operation of said instrumentalities until after another batch is finished.

21. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism to show when the batch is finished, means actuated intermittently by an element of said machine to operate said mechanism, a register arranged for operation only by the surplus actuations of said means after each complete operation of said mechanism,said means being arranged to operate only once for each rotation of said machine, and means where by the ratchet is inoperative during the operation of said register, thereby to prevent any operation of said instrumentalities until after another batch is finished. 1

22. In an instrument of the class described, a ratchet mechanism, indicating instrumentalities controlled by said mechanism to show when the batch is finished, means actuated intermittently by an element of said machine to operate said mechanism, a register arranged for operation only by the surplus actuations of said means after each complete operation of said mechanism, said instrumentalities being adjustable to variably limit the number of rotations of said machine for each batch, and means whereby the ratchet is inoperative during the operation of said register, thereby to prevent any operation of said instrumentalities until after another batch is finished.

23. In an instrument of the class described, a mechanism for timing the mixing operation, thereby to limit the operation to the required number of rotations, a device operated by an element of said mechanism for counting the number of rotations over and above the number prescribed by said mechanism, before the-batch is discharged, and

means to render said mechanism inoperative during the operation of said device.

24:. In an instrument of the class described, a mechanism for timing the mixing operation, thereby to limit the operation to the required number of rotations, and a deviceoperated by an element of said mechanism for counting the number of rotations over and above the number prescribedby said mechanism, before the batch is discharged, said mechanism having means to automatically stop the operation thereof andthereby start the operation of said device, and to maintain said mechanism in an inoperative condition during the operation of said device.

25. Inan instrument of the class described, a mechanism for timing the mixing operation, thereby to limit the operation to the required number of rotations, and a device operated by an element of said mechanism for counting the number of rotations over and above the number prescribed by said mechanism, before the batch is discharged, said device being inoperative before operation of said instrumentalities and during the operation of said mechanism.

26. In an instrument of the class described, a mechanism for timing an operlocking means for said discharge means, and

means for automatically releasing said lock ing means at a predetermined time during the mixing operation.

28. In combination, a mixer adapted to receive a charge of materials to be mixed, means for causing mixing action of the mixer, means whereby said materials may be discharged from the mixer, locking means normally preventing discharge action of said discharge means, and controlling means for said discharging means to compel a sufficientmixing actionof the mixer to insure proper admixture thereof and to then render the locking means inactive.

29. In combination, a mixing machine comprising a rotary mixing device, means to control its operation, and means adjustable according to the number of rotations required for mixing a batch of material by operation of said mixing device to automatically signal the completion of a predetermined number of rotations of said machine.

30. In combination, a mixing machine, means for controlling the operation of said machine, discharge means for the machine, locking means for said discharge means, means for automatically releasing said locking means at a predetermined time during the mixing operation, and a signal operable simultaneously with the release means.

31. In combination, a mixing machine, means to control its operation, means to automaticall signal a predetermined time of completion of the mixing operation of such machine, discharge means, and means to lock the machine against discharge until the operation of the signaling means.

32. In combination, a mixing machine, means to control its operation, means to automatically signal a predetermined time of completion of the mixing operation of such machine, discharge means for said mixing machine, means to lock the discharge means against operation, and means to automatically release said locking means as an incident .to the operation of said signal.

33. In combination, a mixing machine, means for controlling the operation of said machine, means for discharging said machine, lock means for the discharge means,

automatic releasing mechanism for said lock means to actuate the same at a predetermined time during the mixing operation, and means to adjust said releasin means to cause its operation to conform with different times required for mixing batches of materials.

34. In combination, a mixing machine including a rotary mixing instrumentality, controlling mechanism forming an adjunct for said mixing instrumentality, a signal associated with the mixing instrumentality and adapted to indicate the completion of a predetermined number .of rotations of the machine, and means intermediate the controlling mechanism aforesaid and said signal for effecting automatic operation of the latter for the purpose described.

35. In combination, a mixing machine, means to control its operation, means to automatically signal a redetermined time of completion of the mixing operation of such machine, discharge means for said mixing machine, means to lock the discharge means against operation, and means to automatically release said locking means simultaneously with the operation of the signaling means, whereby the operator is advised that the discharge means is operative owing to the release of said lock means.

36. In combination, a mixing machine, means for controlling the operation of said machine, manuall operable discharge means for the machine, ocking means for said d1scharge means, and means for automatically releasing said locking means at a predetermined time during the mixing operation, without operating said discharge means, so that the mixer may then be manually dis-. charged thereafter, said discharge means including a hand-lever controlled by said locking means.

37. In combination, a mixer adapted to receive a charge of materials to be mixed, means for causing mixing action of the mixer, manually operable means whereby said materials may be dischar ed from the mixing, locking means normal y preventing discharge action of said discharge means, and controlling means for said discharging means to compel a sufiicient mixing action of the mixer to insure proper admixture thereof and to then render the locking means inactive, without operating said discharge means, so that the mixer may then be manually discharged thereafter, said discharge means including a hand-lever controlled by said locking means.

38. In combination, a mixin machine, means for controlling the operation of said machine, discharge means for the machine, locking means for said discharge means, and means for automatically releasing said lock ing means at a predetermined tlme during the mixing operation, without operating said discharge means, so that the mixer may then after,

be discharged at will any time thereafter, said discharge means including a hand-lever controlled by said locking means.

39. In combination, a mixer adapted to receive a charge of material to be mixed, means for causing mixing action of the mixer, means whereby said materials may be discharged from the mixer, locking means normally preventing discharge action of said discharged means, and controlling means for said discharging means to compel a sufiicient mixing action of the mixer to insure proper admixture thereof and to then render the locking means inactive, without operating said dischar e means, so that the mixer may then be disc argedat will any time thereafter, said discharge means including a hand-lever controlled by said locking means.

40. In combination, a mixing machine, means for controlling the o eration of said machine, dischar e means or the machine, locking means or said discharge means, means for automatically releasing said looking means at a predetermined tlme during the mixing operation without operating said discharge means, so that the mixer may then be discharged at will any time thereafter, said discharge means including a hand-lever controlled by said' locking means, and a signal adapted to automatically indicate the unlocking of said discharge means.

41. In combination, a mixer adapted to receive a charge of materials to be mixed, means for causing mixing action of the mixer, means whereby said materials may be discharged fromthe mixer, locking means normally preventing discharge action of said discharge means, controlling means for said dischargin means to compel a 'sufiicient mixing action of the mixer to insure roper admixture thereof and to then rend dr the lockin means inactive, without operating said dlscharge means, so that the mixer may then be discharged at will any time theresaid discharge means including a hand-lever controlled by said locking means, and a si nal ada ted to automatically indicate t e unloc 'ng of said discharge means.

14.2. In combination, a mixin machine, means for controlling the operation of said machine, dischar e means for the machine, locking means or said discharge means, means for automatically releasing said looking means at a predetermined time during the mixing operation, and means of adjustment for causing the unlocking to occur either sooner or later, in the operation of the machine, so that the mixing operation may be reduced or increased at will.

43. In combination, a mixer adapted to receive a charge of materials to be mixed, means for causing mixing" action of the mixer, means whereby said materials may be discharged from the mixer, locking means III normally preventing discharge action from said discharge means, controlling means for said discharging means to compel a sulficient mixin action of the mixer to insure proper admlxture thereof and to then render the locking means inactive, and means of adjustment for causing the unlocking to occur either sooner or later, in the operation of the machine, so that the mixing operation may be reduced or increased at Will. 7

44. In combination, a mixer body adapted to receive a charge of materials to be mixed, and to discharge the resulting mixture, and locking means preventing dlscharge from said body until a predetermined extent of mixing action is accomplished whereb to insure proper admixture of said materials.

45. In combination, a mixing machine comprising a movable mixer, discharge means therefor, means to indicate completionof a mixing operation of said mixer, means controlled by the movement of the mixer to operate the indicating means,

means to lock the discharge means from operation, and means automatically to release the discharge means after a predetermined number of revolutions of the mixer.

46. In combination, a mixing machine comprising a rotary mixer, discharge means therefor, means to indicate completion of a mixing operation of said mixer, means to lock the discharge means, means to release the discharge means and to operate the indicating means after a predetermined number of revolutions of the mixer, and means whereby the last mentioned means may be adjusted so as to operate according to different predetermined revolutions of the mixer.

Signed by me at Chicago, Illinois, this 19th day of Februar 1915.

' NIL M. ROSENDAHL. Witnesses:

RACHAEL J. RICHARDSON, Ross E. SEHNEM. 

